SACRAMENTO -- It’s an exciting time to be a member of the Sacramento Kings. Not only is the squad surprising teams around the NBA with their 25-25 record, but the players are garnering accolades around the league.
In case you missed the announcement yesterday, De’Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marvin Bagley III are all heading to All-Star weekend to compete in the Rising Stars Game.
“It’s exciting for our franchise, it just tells you that hopefully in a couple of years, those guys will be All-Stars,” coach Dave Joerger told NBC Sports California.
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For Fox, it was an expected honor. Taken with the fifth overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, the point guard out of Kentucky has taken off in his sophomore season. His numbers are up across the boards, as is his confidence.
The same could be said for Bogdanovic, although he doesn’t really consider himself in the “rising star” category.
“I feel like I’m playing this game for 10 years, and I’m still young and playing in all these rookie All-Star games,” Bogdanovic said Wednesday following shootaround. “It’s okay. It’s fun to be there at All-Star weekend.”
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At 26 years old, Bogdanovic appreciates the invite, but he’s been a professional basketball player for a while. The Serbian-born wing is excited to defend his MVP trophy from last season.
After missing 14 games due to injury, there was a small question as to whether Bagley would be included in the festivities. But the 19-year-old rookie had a big smile when asked about the invitation.
“It’s very exciting, especially being my first year in the NBA and kinda still learning everything,” Bagley said. “To be able to have the opportunity to go to Charlotte and be a part of All-Star weekend is going to be a great experience. I can’t wait.”
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The No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Bagley is looking forward to having the support of his teammates around him on the adventure. He’ll play on the U.S. Team alongside Fox, which should help him feel some level of comfort on the floor.
“It’s guys with talent, hard work ethic and a real credit to those guys,” Joerger added. “They continue to put in the work and continue to improve and that’s been fantastic.”
Sacramento is the only team with three representatives in the Rising Stars game, which will take place on Friday, Feb. 15 at 6 pm at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Fox will also participate in the Skills Challenge at All-Star weekend and Buddy Hield is expected to join the competition for the 3-Point Contest.